Take extra care when travelling in cars with dogs this summer
On a day when it’s 20 degrees outside, the temperature in a car parked in the shade with the windows down can reach over 39 degrees within 10 minutes and can rise to a deadly 49 degrees in less than half an hour.
Animals that have only overheated air to breathe inside hot cars can collapse, suffer brain damage and possibly die of heatstroke. Just 15 minutes can be enough for an animal's body temperature to climb from a normal 38.5 degrees to a dangerous level, causing irreversible organ damage.
Councillor Cathy Casey, a registered responsible dog owner and Chair of the council’s Community Development and Safety Committee, says she would be “devastated” if a few moments’ carelessness on her part were to cause distress or even death to either of her much-loved family companions.
“My two dogs travel with me in the car on weekends. I make sure I always have water on hand and take Suzie and Pat with me whenever I leave the vehicle,” she says.
If you find an animal in distress in a locked car, you should not break into the car yourself as it is against the law. If it is an emergency you can call the police on 111 or the SPCA on 09 256 7300. The SPCA has special powers to intervene in such cases. Alternatively, you can call Animal Management on 09 301 0101.
Be prepared for trips to the beach
If you’re heading off to the beach with your four-legged pal, it’s important you check the rules for the beach you are heading to.
When you find a safe beach to walk your dog, make sure you fill a bag with these essentials:
- Water and a bowl (and if your dog is prone to getting sand in their muzzle and eyes, bring extra water for washing their face).
- Leash – a retractable leash lets them wander further while remaining under your control.
- Old towels or a blanket for them to sit on the hot sand and in the car on the drive home.
- Dog-friendly sunscreen (not zinc, which, if ingested, is toxic to dogs).
- Bags for cleaning up after your dog.
- Frisbees and toys that float are good choices for the beach (tennis balls are popular but get sandy when wet).
- Dog treats – keep them in your pocket to help your dog obey commands and come back to you easily.
Protect your pet at social functions
Christmas is the most sociable time of the year and while most dogs love attention, sometimes it can get too much – especially when there are children around.
Older, hot and bothered dogs may be prone to irritability and high volumes of noise may also increase excitement or irritability, which can lead to bites.
Auckland Council Animal Management advisers say if your dog turns its head away, walks away from the attention, or looks to you while getting attention from someone else, they may be asking for help.
Teach your children dog safety
In New Zealand there are more than 9900 dog bites a year with the most likely victims being children aged 5 to 9 years old. Over 75 per cent of these incidents happen in the home environment, with a dog that is known to the child.
A lot of these incidents happen due to a lack of education around dog safety.
A Dog’s Story is an interactive adventure app that teaches children dog safety and how to read dog behaviour.
This is a great free resource for those who have dogs or are visiting someone with a dog over the holidays. This app is easy to use, offers clear lessons about how to approach dogs, and aims to reduce dog-related harm to children.
Look out for the signs
Signs of heat exhaustion include restlessness, excessive thirst, heavy panting, lethargy, dark tongue, rapid pulse, fever, vomiting, glazed eyes, dizziness, or lack of coordination.
To lower body temperature gradually, if the dog is conscious and able to drink, give them cool or cold water, place a cold towel or an ice pack (or a bag of frozen vegetables) on the head, neck and chest, or immerse the dog in cool (not cold) water. You should call a veterinarian.
